Posts filed under 'Dog Supplements'
The origins of flowers
Everyone loves flowers. That includes Charles Darwin, who was fascinated as a child by the peonies in his family’s garden.
We love flowers too. Of course, we’re prejudiced, since we make products based on cold-pressed plants. Where would we be without flowering plants?
But did you know that most of the calories humans consume originate from flowers? That’s because cereal crops like wheat, rice and corn all start out as flowers.
Here’s a great story about research into the origins of flowers. Until recently, flowers have been a big mystery. The fossil records have revealed mainly simple plant organisms, and suddenly in the Cretaceous period there is an unexplained “flowering.”
1 comment September 8, 2009
Behind the facade: Monsanto, the giant of Genetically Modified Organisms, and its “green” claims
Here’s an interesting article from the UK Guardian about the business practices of Monsanto.
As many of you probably know, Monsanto is the giant among developers and producers of Genetically Modified seed crops. Corn, soy beans, and other staple crops have been genetically engineered in Monsanto labs.
GMOs, or genenetically modified organisms, are organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes.
GMOs have been banned in many countries outside the USA. Safety concerns are uppermost. Another issue is that many GMO crops have been modified so that the seeds from this year’s crops cannot be saved and used to plant the fields for next year’s crops. Since the seeds are patented, farmers are forced to buy new seeds every year from companies like Monsanto.
But the point of this article is different. This article points out that Monsanto has made huge efforts to jump on the “green” bandwagon. Their website and PR efforts focus on the ways they are helping to “save the planet.” In this case, their “green” efforts involve developing corn that requires less water. However, as the article points out, Monsanto develops and tests most of its genetically engineered products on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. While doing that, they consume an extraordinary amount of water. So much that local farmers have been forced to institute a law suit, in order to get their fair share of the water resources from the island.
Once again, it’s a case of looking beyond the claims and the hype.
I should mention, of course, that Dog-Wa products do not include any GMOs. From the point of view of health, safety, and sustainability, we do not believe that genetically modified organisms have the evidence to back up the health and safety claims.
Add comment September 5, 2009
The politics of food – emerging thinking about living and eating healthy
Have you seen the recent edition of the Nation magazine, which focuses on all kinds of issues related to food and nutrition?
There’s a great article by Alice Waters. Alice started Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California, years ago. Her focus has always been on fresh, local, sustainably farmed ingredients. Since that time, she has become the nation’s loudest spokeswoman for the “slow cooking” movement. Over the years, she has inspired the movement, and broadened her activities. These days, she is integral in almost all aspects of “food politics.” Her article contrasts two schools, and shows the benefits of better foods on health, behavior and overall well-being of the students who eat healthier school foods.
I used to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Alice was a local celebrity who inspired all different kinds of people to think about food in new ways. In fact, Alice indirectly inspired us when we developed Dog-Wa. That’s partly why fresh, sustainably farmed, pesticide free herbs are the basis of what we do. Like Alice, we’ve seen first-hand that fresh, real foods can bring an incredible range of benefits – dogs with chronic digestive problems and dogs with allergies are just two groups that benefit from the wholesome, fresh ingredients we use. It’s amazing what fresh, leafy greens can do for dogs. We’re developing more products, and Alice’s criteria remain uppermost in our mind.
All of the articles in the Nation on the subject of food are well worth a read. We encourage everyone to check it out.
1 comment September 4, 2009
Non-GMO foods will get a new seal
You’ve probably heard that genetically modified organisms are being included in more and more American foods. This is because seeds used to grow corn, soybeans, canola and sugar have all been genetically modified. And ingredients made from those four staples show up in an incredible array of American foods.
That’s why we’re glad to see increased coverage of the issues. Today’s New York Times reports that an industry group called the Non-GMO Project is conducting independent testing and will award a seal to those foods that do not contain genetically modified organisms. The Non-GMO Project has been up and running for a while, but it’s good to see they’re getting the attention they deserve.
Dog-Wa contains no genetically modified organisms. We have always opposed GMOs, based on our belief that real, natural foods will always be the safest and best sources of nutrition. It’s good to see that more Americans are agreeing with us, as they find out how many of the foods they consume regularly have been genetically modified.
Add comment August 31, 2009
Chicken is the number 1 cause of food-borne illness: What you and your pets need to know
According to a report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chicken (poultry) is the number one cause of food poisoning in the United States.
Fruits, nuts and leafy vegetables followed poultry on the list.
Food processing and handling is the most critical component in food safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that two-thirds of all food-related illnesses traced to a lone ingredient were caused by viruses, which are often added to food by restaurant workers who fail to wash their hands. Another potential source of contamination would be the handling process for foods that are sold in non-restaurant locations like grocery stores and farmers markets.
What about food poisoning that isn’t caused by viruses spread in the handling of food? The second leading cause of food poisoning is Salmonella.
What does this mean for the health of your dog?
You need to be aware of leading causes of food-borne illness, and develop a strategy for providing necessary nutrients that takes the dangers of food-borne illness into account. This is particularly true if you have committed to a raw diet for your pet.
At Dog-Wa, we are committed to providing the nutritional and digestive benefits of fresh, raw leafy greens to dogs. So we watch all of these studies very closely. Our own health and safety is important to us. But the health and safety of our dog customers is our top priority.
Since our mission is to provide the nutritional and digestive benefits of fresh, leafy greens to dogs, we have to be extremely careful.
So how do we, as food manufacturers, deal with food safety?
In the first place, we test every batch of Dog-Wa in bulk for 4 days. This testing happens before the product is bottled, so that the tests come from the entire batch of product. We test for Salmonella, E. coli, microorganisms, safety, stability, and purity. After bottling, we randomly select samples and test again for 4 days, running the same tests to ensure that no contamination has occurred during the bottling process.
Second, we manufacture in facilities that are GMP compliant. GMP means “Good Manufacturing Practice.” Good Manufacturing Practice or GMP is a term that is recognized worldwide for the control and management of manufacturing and quality control testing of foods, pharmaceutical products, and medical devices.
Since sampling product will statistically only ensure that the samples themselves (and perhaps the areas adjacent to where the samples were taken) are suitable for use, and end-point testing relies on sampling, GMP takes the holistic approach of regulating the manufacturing and laboratory testing environment itself.
Third, we manufacture in facilities that are FDA registered and pharmaceutically licensed to make products for human consumption. This means all of our ingredients must meet the highest standards for pure, human-food-grade products. Pharmaceutical licensing adds another layer of obligations to us as manufacturers. It means that our facilities must meet the highest standards established by the laws and regulations of the FDA.
That is how we have found a way to provide safe and effective fresh, raw greens for dogs everywhere. By limiting our product’s ingredients and manufacturing with unsurpassed quality standards, we have created a way for our customers to integrate indispensable fresh vegetable nutrients into their dogs’ diets. That’s why Dog-Wa is the perfect mix-in for all raw, dehydrated, canned, dry, and homemade diets.
Food safety is not impossible
It’s just more difficult and expensive. But we believe that the difficulty and expense are justified by providing a product that we and our customers know is safe and effective.
Add comment June 13, 2009
Gum disease linked to arthritis pain. What you and your dog need to know.
Many of us know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and premature births.
Now researchers have shown that the pain associated with arthritis is also linked to gum disease. Turns out that when gum disease is treated, the pain of arthritis is reduced. Fascinatingly, it also turns out that the two diseases often go together. In other words, those who suffer from arthritis often suffer from gum disease.
The BBC reports these findings from a recent study conducted at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. [Personal confession: my father is a graduate of the Case Western School of Dental Medicine, and is a periodontist (specialist in treatment of gum disease). So this is a topic I can really sink my teeth into. (Sorry, couldn't resist...)]
Professor Rob Moots from the Arthritis Research Campaign said: “Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of inflammation caused by dysfunction in the immune system.”
“As yet we don’t understand what triggers it, but it seems sensible to think that infection might trigger something in the immune system. It therefore follows that chronic infection aggravates rheumatoid arthritis and dealing with that infection may help rheumatoid arthritis too.”
The recommendation for humans is, as always, brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist for prevention and treatment.
What about your dog?
We need to think about the dental health of our pets the way we think of the rest of their health.
Bad breath is often a symptom of oral health problems. Bad breath is not “natural” for dogs, so if your dog suffers from dragon breath, you should investigate that with your vet.
Here’s a link to an article by Dr. Jane Leon, DVM that addresses the dental health of your pet. Dr. Leon has also addressed the issue of dogs with arthritis.
And what would any blog entry be without a pitch for Dog-Wa? The herbs in Dog-Wa are high in Vitamin C, which is an anti-inflammatory. So Dog-Wa can help both with the inflammation associated with gum disease, as well as the painful inflammation at the root of arthritis. The antibacterial effects of peppermint can also provide support for a healthy mouth, when combined with proper oral hygiene for your pet. And for dogs who love Dog-Wa, drinking more helps keep the mouth moist. A moist mouth helps the body processes which combat the bacteria that cause bad breath.
1 comment June 8, 2009
The problem with dogs eating grass
We’ve just added another fantastic article by Dr. Jane Leon, DVM, to our website. This time, Dr. Jane explains the dangers of grass eating for our animals.
You may be wondering exactly what is wrong with allowing your dog to graze in your back yard. After all, a grass-eating dog is exhibiting a ‘natural’ behavior, consuming green vegetation, and looks pretty content while chewing, right? Many pups love to eat the lawn. They look happy, so aside from ruining the lawn, what could be the harm? Sure, a lot of dogs vomit up the just-eaten grass, but as long as they do this outside the house, the grass simply returns to nature and all is well.
Not so fast, cautions Dr. Jane Leon, DVM, distinguished graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
As Dr. Jane explains, grass is a major source of parasites for our animals. Contamination from the droppings of other animals deposits the eggs and larvae which spread roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms to our pets. In addition, lawns are contaminated with chemical toxins, including herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers that can cause both sickness and major damage to our pets’ nervous systems.
One of the great benefits of Dog-Wa is that it replaces or diminishes the need of many dogs to eat grass. So do your pet a favor: give them the fresh leafy greens they seek with Dog-Wa. Dog-Wa is an outstanding source of the micronutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that your dog can’t really digest from grass.
Add comment June 8, 2009
Dog-Wa featured in Animal Wellness Magazine
Check out the article Animal Wellness Magazine wrote about Dog-Wa and our company in their June/July 2009 issue.
The issue is scheduled to hit newsstands May 25, 2009.
Once the issue drops, Animal Wellness will go live with a digital version on their website.
We’ll update this post with excerpts once the digital site goes live.
Many thanks to Animal Wellness Magazine. We’re delighted to be recognized by a publication with such a long-standing history of excellence in animal health and well-being.
Add comment May 27, 2009
This summer, get your Vitamin D while you walk your dog
If you follow our blog, you are aware that, just like the dogs we love, we often stray outside the boundaries of all things dog. We spend a lot of time following health, science, food safety, the environment, and other areas of interest to us (and, we hope, to you). And where there’s a connection to the health and happiness of your dog, we strive to point it out.
This seems to be the week of Vitamin D. There’s all sorts of news out there about new research indicating that Vitamin D does a lot more than help build strong bones.
Vitamin D’s known benefits include helping cells absorb calcium for bone health, protecting against cancer, artery disease, and tuberculosis. In fact, Vitamin D regulates 1,000 genes, and is believed to have a role in regulating the immune system.
Now a study by David Lee and colleagues at the University of Manchester in the UK supports earlier evidence that vitamin D may help older people stay mentally fit.
This benefit has been reported in the past, but earlier studies were less conclusive. The bigger picture is that we are always discovering more and more benefits of vitamins, minerals, elements, and micronutrients. The sunshine vitamin is increasingly seen as vital to health. And there is general agreement that Vitamin D is also essential to the health of your pet.
But another report from Reuters suggests that more Americans are not getting enough Vitamin D, according to U.S. researchers. It appears that 3 out of 4 Americans aren’t getting enough Vitamin D these days. That’s up from 1 out of 2 twenty years ago.
Getting enough Vitamin D can be simple: spend 10 minutes in the sun with legs and arms exposed. It is the ultraviolet rays of the sun that stimulate the production of vital Vitamin D through the body’s own natural processes.
“But people’s habits have changed … they are less active and outdoors less, and also protecting their skin from the sun because of skin cancer risk,” said Dr. Adit Ginde, who with colleagues did the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
So we need to be aware that some sunshine is essential, but too much can be dangerous. And then take appropriate and reasonable precautions to balance the two out.
If you are familiar with Dog-Wa, then you know we are big fans of a balanced approach to health by getting essential nutrition the natural way. Dog-Wa provides an abundance of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, compounds, and other elements through cold-pressed vegetable matter. We believe that whole foods are and always will be the preferred way to get nutrition.
So in that spirit, we suggest that it might be time to revisit the idea of getting yourself and your dog some vitamin D the old-fashioned way, from sunshine.
It’s easy to do. About three times a week, when you are walking your dog, spend 10 minutes in the sun with legs and arms exposed. That’s enough. If you’re going to be out longer, then cover up or find some shade. A hat, sunglasses, and protection for your face are always a good idea. Ensure that you and your pet are adequately hydrated before, during, and after time spent outdoors in the heat and the light.
At the same time, be aware that the potentially harmful effects of sunshine include increased risk for cancer (melanoma) and wrinkling. So too much sun is not a good thing. Watch for abnormal growths, rough patches, discoloration, and moles on your skin and your pet’s skin.
As with all things, use common sense.
Update: May 21, 2009
Here’s an article from the Boston Globe with more Vitamin D tips.
1 comment May 21, 2009
